To unpack the intersection of injectables and the social media zeitgeist, I reached out to a trusted expert to not only give me some answers, but to share her own observations on this global issue. That expert is Nurse Hazel Salvador.
With over a decade of medical experience, Nurse Hazel’s career reflects a journey dedicated to patient care, and a commitment to enhancing lives through medical aesthetics. Now a part of the prestigious teams at Dr. Ford Plastic Surgery and Integra SkinLab in downtown Toronto, Nurse Hazel brings an extensive background that spans trauma nursing, surgical care, and medical aesthetics, as well as a finger on the pulse of trends, past, present and future. Combined with her caring and intuitive bedside manner, Hazel brings a unique and knowledgeble perspective to the questions I had about medical aesthetic trends, the good, the bad and the beautiful.
How Young Is Too Young to Start with Injectables?
When it comes to injectables, I believe they’re generally unnecessary for individuals in their early 20s or younger, especially for cosmetic purposes. At this age, most people naturally have youthful, healthy skin, and cosmetic treatments are rarely needed. The exception might be for medical reasons, such as treating TMJ pain or discomfort, which is an entirely different consideration.
In my practice, the majority of clients fall within the 30-60 age range, seeking injectables to address natural signs of aging or to enhance their features subtly and harmoniously.
For younger individuals exploring injectables, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate their motivations. They should be in a healthy mental state, with realistic expectations about what the procedures can achieve. Cosmetic enhancements should enhance natural beauty and confidence—not serve as a response to insecurities or external pressures, especially during such a formative stage of life.
Have you ever fielded unusual requests with clients, like laughing gas as part of an injectables appointment?
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is not typically a part of the Botox process. Botox injections are relatively quick, involving minimal discomfort, and generally don’t require anesthetics. While some providers might offer laughing gas for clients with extreme needle anxiety, it’s quite uncommon and may be unnecessary for a procedure that usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
Having undergone the treatment myself, I understand firsthand what clients experience, which helps me create a comfortable and reassuring environment. I strive to minimize any discomfort, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
For clients who feel nervous, there are alternative methods to ease anxiety and discomfort without resorting to laughing gas. Many clients benefit from using stress balls, calming music through headphones, or taking breaks during the session to feel more in control. Additionally, applying ice packs to numb the area before injections is a simple and effective way to enhance comfort.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide a supportive and personalized experience, ensuring clients feel at ease throughout the procedure. While laughing gas can be an option for specific cases, most clients find these other methods sufficient to manage their comfort during Botox treatments.
In your opinion and experience, how has pop culture affected beauty trends around medical aesthetics?
Pop culture has significantly influenced beauty trends in medical aesthetics. In my experience, it often brings attention to treatments or procedures that may have been around for years but were not widely recognized until they became popularized through social media or celebrity endorsements. Many clients come in curious about these “new trends,” seeking ways to enhance their appearance.
Pop culture tends to resonate more strongly with younger audiences, driving trends that sometimes focus on enhancing a single feature. While I appreciate treatments that harmonize and elevate an individual’s overall appearance, I’m not a fan of trends that overemphasize one aspect to the point where it dominates a person’s look. True beauty lies in balance, and when one feature overshadows the rest, it can detract from the individual’s unique charm and overall aesthetic harmony.
How have you seen demands and trends change and shift over the course of your career?
Over the course of my career, I’ve observed a significant decline in the demand for fillers, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward natural beauty. This change may stem from concerns about the overuse of fillers or instances where they’ve been applied in ways that fail to enhance the client’s overall appearance. While fillers can offer remarkable benefits when used appropriately, misuse often results in unbalanced or unnatural outcomes.
I believe that fillers should be tailored to the individual, with the goal of enhancing natural beauty in a subtle, harmonious way. It’s also essential for practitioners to reassess their clients regularly and provide honest feedback. When the desired results have been achieved, clients should be guided toward maintenance rather than continuous enhancement, ensuring their overall look remains balanced and timeless.
Trends that disproportionately emphasize a single feature—such as overly large lips or excessively lifted brows—can draw attention away from a person’s natural beauty and unique characteristics. This is why expert guidance is crucial in helping clients understand how procedures can complement their overall look rather than overshadow it.
Is It Possible to “Overdo It” in Medical Aesthetics? What Are the Risks?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to overdo it in medical aesthetics. As with anything in life, moderation is key. These treatments can be incredibly rewarding, providing results that enhance confidence and beauty. However, the satisfaction they bring can sometimes lead to a desire for more, creating a cycle that may result in overuse.
Excessive treatments can detract from natural beauty, turning enhancements into distractions—or, in some cases, outright disasters. Overdoing injectables or other aesthetic procedures can result in unnatural outcomes, loss of facial harmony, or even long-term complications such as tissue damage or uneven textures.
This is why having a trusted, ethical practitioner is essential. A skilled practitioner knows when to say, “This is enough,” and will guide clients toward results that maintain balance and preserve their natural beauty. A measured, thoughtful approach ensures treatments remain enhancements rather than excesses.
How you manage your clients’ expectations around treatment and results?
When it comes to managing expectations in medical aesthetics, I adopt a realistic and transparent approach. Consultations are an essential part of this process, as they set the foundation for achieving results that align with the client’s personal goals while maintaining ethical and realistic standards. These discussions focus on understanding the individual’s desires, educating them about what is achievable, and balancing their goals with what is safe and appropriate for their unique features.
Open and honest communication is key. During consultations, I take the time to listen to my clients, ensuring their concerns and aspirations are fully understood. I also emphasize the importance of educating clients about potential outcomes, risks, and limitations. By fostering a collaborative relationship, I can guide them through every stage of their journey—before, during, and after treatment.
Trust is a cornerstone of this relationship. It’s vital to be upfront about what can and cannot be achieved. In some cases, this means helping clients understand that opting out of a procedure may be the best choice for their well-being. For example, if a treatment carries risks that outweigh its benefits or may not deliver the desired outcome, I believe it’s the responsibility of the practitioner to guide clients away from it.
Equally important is setting realistic timelines. Clients should understand that certain results, especially in medical aesthetics, may require a gradual approach rather than an immediate transformation. This perspective ensures that treatments are safe, effective, and aligned with their long-term goals.
Discussing the risks of complications is another crucial part of managing expectations. A responsible practitioner must prioritize the client’s safety above all else, ensuring they are fully informed and comfortable with their decisions. Honesty in these conversations not only builds trust but also establishes a foundation for lasting relationships, where clients feel supported and respected.
Ultimately, managing expectations is about more than delivering results—it’s about empowering clients to make informed decisions and embracing their unique beauty with confidence and clarity.
*header photo by Youssef Labib
Nadia Elkharadly
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